Oklahoma Parents and Civil Rights Groups File Lawsuit Against State Superintendent Over Bible Mandate
A group of Oklahoma parents, teachers, and ministers have taken a stand against the state’s top education official, State Superintendent Ryan Walters, in a lawsuit filed with the Oklahoma Supreme Court. The lawsuit aims to halt Walters’ mandate that requires schools to incorporate the Bible into lesson plans for students in grades 5 through 12. Additionally, the lawsuit seeks to stop Walters from spending $3 million on purchasing Bibles in support of his mandate.
Legal Allegations
The lawsuit argues that the mandate violates the Oklahoma Constitution on several grounds:
- Spending public money to support religion
- Favouring one religion over another by requiring the use of a Protestant version of the Bible
- Lack of authority for Walters and the state Board of Education to mandate the use of instructional materials
Parental Rights
Erika Wright, a plaintiff in the case and founder of the Oklahoma Rural Schools Coalition, emphasized the importance of parental rights in deciding how and when children learn about religious teachings. She stated that it should not be the role of politicians or public school officials to intervene in such personal matters.
Representation
The plaintiffs are represented by various civil rights groups, including the Oklahoma chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law & Justice.
Questionable Practices
The lawsuit also highlights concerns regarding the State Department of Education’s request for proposal to purchase Bibles, which appeared to be tailored to match Bibles endorsed by former President Donald Trump at a cost of $59.99 each. The request was later amended at the request of state purchasing officials.
Legal Landscape
This lawsuit is the second in Oklahoma challenging Walters’ mandate, with another lawsuit filed in June currently pending in Mayes County. Walters has made statements indicating his stance against the "woke mob" and his belief in the historical significance of the Bible in American education.
Analysis and Importance
This legal battle showcases the intersection of education, religion, and parental rights in the public school system. It raises questions about the separation of church and state, the influence of political ideologies in education, and the role of public officials in shaping curriculum. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the future of education in Oklahoma and beyond, impacting how religious teachings are integrated into public school curriculum and the extent of parental control over their children’s education.